South African gqom DJ Mr Thela signed a deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) at the label’s headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 14 February.
The deal comes two months after the release of his critically acclaimed follow-up solo album Tronics Land Series 2, which debuted at No 4 on Apple Music and No 5 on Spotify.
The album had an overall 4 million streams in less than a month of its release, with no music video or record label attached to it.
“I’m very excited about this new journey I’m about to take with Universal Music Group,” Mr Thela said. “The one leading up to this moment wasn’t easy for me. I’ve had to navigate the industry with no knowledge but a pocket full of dreams.
“My team and I have worked very hard to get this brand and vision to where it needs to be. Signing with Universal Music Group will elevate the brand more and the music will reach a wider and greater audience. This benefits both my brand and UMG as a stable. I can’t wait to release more music for my supporters.”
UMG managing director Manusha Sarawan said:
“We are extremely delighted to have Mr Thela as part of our stable. The gqom genre continues to have staying power and remains a part of our dance music culture.”
Mr Thela made his debut in 2020 during the height of lockdown with the platinum-certified joint album Make Cape Town Great Again, nominated for Best Gqom Album at the 2021 South African Music Awards. Streaming giant Netflix picked up Mr Thela’s lead song iParty’ for the original film Jiva!
His musical ear stems from his church upbringing as a pastor’s kid who grew up playing the keyboard at his parents’ congregation in the crime-ridden area of Philippi in Cape Town.
The DJ and producer made his first international booking in South Korea in 2023, marking a significant milestone for his career.
After reaching new territories and heights, he followed it up with a trip to the UK, where he recorded his first international live mix with SKYY Vodka, shot at Dalston Roofpark in London.
